How to Produce Methane Via Methanogenesis

Set up and install an anaerobic digester system, which is an airtight waterproof container in which the various chemical reactions will take place. Find or design one that is appropriate to the inputs you are using, such as a discontinuous system for agricultural wastes rather than one that requires ongoing feedings.

Take into account the organic input you will use in the digester. Aim for a carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio of between 20- and 30-to-1, to optimize methane production. Combine inputs of different C/N ratios to obtain a good ratio: too much carbon will consume too much nitrogen, whereas too much nitrogen will produce ammonia and lower pH, which will compromise the methanogens.

Hydrolyze the large molecules in the input by means of the enzymes in the bacteria that will reduce the polymers to simple sugar molecules.

Acidify, or produce acids such as acetic acid and butyric acid, from the further breakdown of the sugars.

Methanize the various intermediate products during the course of methanogenesis: form methane through the conversion of acetic acid by aceticlastic methanogens; or produce methane via methanogens from a variety of carbon sources, such as carbon dioxide and methanol.

Feed the methanogens in the digester the cofactors they need to do their work: nickel, iron and cobalt are especially important.

Tend to the delicate orchestration of different factors that could affect the resulting production of methane. Be alert to the introduction of any compounds that could hinder the production of methane gas, including NO3, Mn and SO4, which may allow other bacteria to predominate over the methanogens. Monitor and control temperature and pH.